Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that lacks or shows low levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression and/or gene amplification. Here are some key points about TNBC:
- TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers.
- It is more common in women younger than age 40, who are Black, or who have a BRCA1 mutation.
- TNBC tends to grow and spread faster, has fewer treatment options, and tends to have a worse prognosis compared to other types of breast cancer.
- It is more likely to have spread at the time it’s found and is more likely to come back after treatment than other types of breast cancer.
- TNBC has a tendency to spread to the brain and other organs such as the lungs and liver, with less of a tendency to spread to bones.
- The standard treatment for early-stage TNBC is surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for TNBC, and recent progress in identifying new treatments like immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors has improved the prognosis.
In summary, TNBC is a challenging type of breast cancer to treat, and it is important for individuals diagnosed with TNBC to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the best treatment plan for their specific situation.
